From Hollywood To Your Camera: The Samyang Rokinon 85mm F/1.2 Is The Lens Used By Top Photographers

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Post on Mar 13, 2025

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From Hollywood to Your Camera: The Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 – A Lens Loved by Top Photographers

The Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is more than just a lens; it's a legend whispered among professional photographers. Its reputation precedes it, earning a place in the kits of top cinematographers and still photographers alike, from bustling Hollywood sets to quiet, intimate portrait shoots. But what makes this lens so desirable, and is it worth the investment for the average photographer? Let's delve into the details.

Why is the Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 so Popular?

This lens's popularity stems from a potent combination of factors: its incredibly fast aperture, exceptional image quality, and surprisingly affordable price point considering its performance. Let's break down these key aspects:

Stunning Image Quality: Sharpness and Bokeh

The Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is renowned for its exceptional sharpness, particularly when stopped down slightly from its widest aperture. This means you get incredibly crisp and detailed images, even in challenging lighting conditions. But the real magic lies in its bokeh – the quality of the out-of-focus areas in your images. The f/1.2 aperture produces a beautifully creamy, smooth bokeh, which is highly sought after for creating dreamy, artistic portraits and captivating cinematic effects. This characteristic blur helps to separate the subject from the background, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the focal point.

The Advantages of an f/1.2 Aperture

The wide f/1.2 aperture is a game-changer. It allows for:

• Exceptional low-light performance: Capture stunning images even in dimly lit environments without resorting to high ISO settings, which can introduce noise.
• Shallow depth of field: Achieve beautifully blurred backgrounds, isolating your subject and creating a professional, artistic look.
• Faster shutter speeds: In bright conditions, this allows you to freeze motion and avoid blurry images, especially useful for action shots.

Affordable Price Point for Professional Quality

Unlike many lenses offering similar specifications, the Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is surprisingly affordable. This makes it an accessible option for both aspiring and professional photographers who want to upgrade their equipment without breaking the bank. This price-to-performance ratio is a major factor in its widespread appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2

Here are some common questions about this lens:

What kind of photography is this lens best for?

This lens excels in portrait photography, where its shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh are particularly effective. However, its versatility extends to other genres, including wedding photography, product photography, and even some landscape photography where selective focus is desired.

Is it good for video?

Yes, the Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is a popular choice for videographers. Its cinematic bokeh, fast aperture, and relatively compact size make it ideal for creating shallow depth of field effects and shooting in low-light situations.

What are the potential drawbacks?

While the lens offers exceptional value, it's important to note a few potential drawbacks. Manual focus can be a challenge for some users, especially those accustomed to autofocus lenses. Also, at its widest aperture, the lens might exhibit some slight softness at the edges of the frame. However, stopping down slightly usually mitigates this issue.

Is it worth the upgrade from my kit lens?

If you're serious about improving your image quality, especially in portraiture and low-light photography, then upgrading to the Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is likely a worthwhile investment. The difference in image quality and creative control is significant.

What mounts is it available in?

The Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is available in various camera mounts, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, and more. Make sure to select the correct mount for your specific camera body.

Conclusion: A Lens Worth Considering

The Samyang Rokinon 85mm f/1.2 is a powerful and versatile lens that offers incredible value for its price. Its exceptional image quality, fast aperture, and beautiful bokeh make it a favorite among professional photographers worldwide. While manual focus might take some getting used to, the overall performance justifies the investment for photographers who value both image quality and affordability. Whether you're shooting on a Hollywood set or capturing portraits in your own backyard, this lens is capable of delivering stunning results.